BDC launches $200M fund to empower entrepreneurs

BDC is doubling down on Canada’s industrial future with the launch of Industrial Innovation Venture Fund II (I2VF II). This new $200 million commitment is designed to help Canadian entrepreneurs developing next-generation technologies that will drive productivity and resilience across key industrial sectors. Building on the success of its first fund launched in 2019, I2VF II will invest in early stage, high growth companies developing transformative solutions in advanced manufacturing, agtech, foodtech, extractive industries, and critical minerals.

“Canada’s productivity gap is especially acute in sectors like manufacturing, mining, and agriculture,” said Geneviève Bouthillier, executive vice president, BDC Capital. “With Fund II, we’re doubling down our commitment to entrepreneurs building practical, scalable technologies that are highly needed across these industries. The growing demand for critical minerals makes this investment more important than ever.”

He added, “Fund II will target companies that are developing transformative solutions in areas such as robotics, automation, applied AI and industrial software. We believe these technologies are key to helping industrial enterprises improve efficiency, reduce waste, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.”